Back in the days before there was a Meat Puppets, I used to funk it up with high school chum Jack Knetzger. Jack deserves a lot of credit: not only is he a fine guitarist and songwriter in his own right, but he also the one who had to endure the embryonic boopings and bappings of Yours Truly. A legend in my own mind long before I had any chops whatsoever to back it up, I dragged my old pal kicking and screaming into the world of punk rock with our group Atomic Bomb Club, which held court for the better part of four years. Jack was a good sport about it, even as it became clearer and clearer to him that my head-first ambitions might be a little too ascance from his own chosen career path.
Jack and I initially bonded way back in 1976, first over comics, then over rock and roll. But mostly we were into humor, and it showed up as much in our musical collaborations as it did our comics. Though most of Jack’s original songs back then were bittersweet and ultra-introspective, we attacked the rest of our material — cover versions culled from classic rock and my collection of punk rock records — with a zaniness that presaged my efforts with the brothers Kirkwood. Years before anybody was garnering kudos for a “roots” approach to punk, the Atomic Bomb Club attacked the Beatles, Hendrix and anything else that caught our fancy with a ridiclulous ferocity and sense of irony that strongly influenced the Meat Puppets. Cris and Curt even sat in on bass occasionally.
Over at Bostworld, I give tribute to this legendary musical excersize, revisit the old days, catch up with Mr. K, and pass along some audio links for your historic approval.
I remember a brief mention of this in a timeline on the first MP website. What a great band name – has a weird Cold War-meets-Planet of the Apes sense to it. I’m looking forward to hearing the recording of the show in the Cellar. I miss that little hole in the wall. Especially the creepy, stained glass visage of a green-skinned man named “Sam” that would leer out at you from the neighboring student rec room.
Left by John Long on July 11th, 2006
“Atomic Bomb Club” is what they used to call the group of nations that have the bomb. For example, North Korea is trying the join the atomic bomb club, apparently. Jack came up with that one.
Left by Derrick Bostrom on July 11th, 2006
The first 4 tracks under “Live in Tucson” are from The Cellar show…correct DB?
Left by Jack Knetzger on July 11th, 2006
Yep!
Left by Derrick Bostrom on July 11th, 2006
Hi Derrick.
I made out with you on top of my parents’ Mercedes Benz back in 1981, when I was 16 or 17 years old. I remember that you were very shy, charming, and respectful. You were impressed by my car.
That was back in Baltimore. You opened for Black Flag in some garage or warehouse. Now I am a middle-aged accountant in California! I appreciate your music more than ever.
Left by corey on July 17th, 2006
I don’t know if it was the softness of my lips or the fabulousness of the automobile, but your memory is slightly askew. The Flag tour hit Balmer in 84, which would have put you safely over the age of consent (whew).
Left by Derrick Bostrom on July 17th, 2006
I don’t know about this “atomic bomb club†but the Meat Puppets have sustained me for many years. 20 years ago, I sent you’ll a handwritten fan letter and you sent back a letter and picture and me and my girlfriend fought over who could keep what.
Please add me to your mailing list:
Sincerely,
Tracy
burkos777@yahoo.ca
Thank You for the tunes.
Left by Tracy on July 22nd, 2006
We was listening to Meat Puppets Montana CD while driving home from work in a rainbow along the way we see paranormal toddler twins, a dinosaur on a bridge, dusk lit graffitti for gravytrain commuters, lots of funny looking people and dangerous day dream detritus. This is INIUSA writing from the World Headquarters of Lex Loeb’s Library of Lambertism in Portland, OR. Drink Jesus Juice while voting for your favorite creationist candidate. Listen to Radio Free Sinclair on the Internet or read an old comic book. We love Meat Puppet Do Re Mi R&B rendition and flying at dragonfly migration festivals. Kisses and Kaos, Rondo
Left by Rondo Lambert on October 23rd, 2006
Il s’agit d’un groupe sur puissant vis a vis de des mélodies,c’est pas étonnant que KurtCobain face des reprises de leurs musiquesdans son unplugged.
Left by Julien on March 20th, 2007
Obviously,there are issues …and if it’s an issue,you discuss.
If you can’t discuss,it’s something else.
Left by SANDI on June 29th, 2007